Khawaja Asif sparks controversy at UN over Afghan journalist

During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif sparked controversy after an interaction with an Afghan female journalist. The journalist questioned Asif regarding Pakistan’s stance on the Taliban and its policies concerning the rights of Afghan women, asking why Pakistan had not pressured the Taliban to change these policies while maintaining a friendly relationship with them.

Instead of addressing the question, video footage shows Asif interrupting the journalist, gesturing toward her clothing, and warning her not to return home in such a manner. He then made a gesture by placing his hand near his throat, which social media users have interpreted as a death threat. Several individuals standing near the minister were seen laughing during the exchange.

The incident occurs amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following recent Pakistani airstrikes and drone attacks in Afghan territory, which Afghan officials condemned as aggressive actions resulting in civilian casualties.